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I had the same problem with Poplar. I also sealed with linseed oil.
I gave up on poplar because of the problem. It seems that if you
even sneeze on poplar it will absorbe water.
I believe the cracking problem is caused by the wood swelling because
of water absorbsion especially if you wire through.
I have had some luck using screw eyes and epoxying the plug very well. It works ok until you get the first ding in the epoxy and then the water gets in and here comes the cracks.
My suggestion is to not use poplar. Sorry.
I'm currently using Birch and Pine.
I don't even seal the wood in linseed anymore I just give them a couple coats of Bins then paint and epoxy.
I use a pipe cleaner to put the Bins into the wire thru hole.
The plugs stand up well, not as good as sealed plugs, but I make a bunch of plugs every winter so I have plenty of new ones.
Good Luck......
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